Ginobili upgraded to game-time decision

Manu Ginobili has been upgraded to a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Memphis.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said that Ginobili is improving, but he’s still not ready to commit to playing him against the Grizzlies — yet.

“He gets better every day,” Popovich said. “He gets a little more extension every day and is able to do a little more.”

Ginobili was shooting with his sprained right elbow protected by an oversized protective sleeve that Popovich said affects his ball-handling and other skills. His shooting touch appeared to be strong with the sleeve, although he noticeably winced on a couple of occasions when the arm was extended.

Popovich said he would not be cautious of minutes or starting Ginobili if he decides to use him.

“I don’t think it’s minutes,” Popovich said. “If he plays he plays. It’s not that he’s out of shape or anything like that. He might be a little bit out of shape because he’s not playing. But you wouldn’t limit him in that sense.”

The Spurs missed Ginobili in their 101-98 loss to Memphis in Game 1 on Sunday, leading to the thought the Spurs have to use Ginobili if he’s anywhere close to being ready.

But Popovich said he wasn’t thinking like that.

“You don’t play a player unless he’s ready to go,” Popovich said. “He’s injured unless he’s ready to go and there’s no chance that he’s going to injure it further and exascerbate what he’s already done. But the decision is more whether a player can help or not. He’s definitely not going to be 100 percent. So is it good for the team or bad for the team in that sense.